In this email I’m going to talk about two main factors,
1. The natural benefits of using Virtual Reality
2. How to enhance these benefits and make the most of the technology
Firstly, we know of lots of benefits to using VR. There are loads of studies being done measuring the outcomes of using the devices, however there have been countless studies already measuring the benefits of leisure, recreation and experiencing enjoyable activities. VR gives people these experiences without the barriers of actually having to get there. Mountain climbing without the sore legs, camping without the mosquitos and swimming with sharks without the bites!
The natural benefits of using Virtual Reality;
1. Exercise – The movement needed to use the VR Headsets naturally encourages physical activity. Therefore its a great way to get people engaged who would otherwise have been sedentary. There are currently apps being created with an exercise focus, however we find that most programs still get people sitting up in their chair, moving their arms and legs and looking around. Peoples inquisitive nature takes over and the exercise flows.
2. Distraction from pain. Research has shown that both acute and chronic pain are largely affected by our Physchology. A study published in Royal Society Open Science found patients had an increased pain tolerance when using Virtual Reality. Researches found that higher pain tolerance was noted when subjects had both audio and visual stimuli. Meaning that when people were more submersed in the virtual world, with both the head set and the earphones, they felt less pain. People are now investigating its effects on other medical outcomes.
3. Excitement, Enjoyment and Endorphins! Any enjoyable experience has an amazing effect on the body. It intensifies our positive emotions, it focuses our attention, it reduces stress and overall makes us feel good. It even effects our physical health.
4. Being in the moment, mindfulness and Flow state. Wether you’re using a guided meditation app, watching the waves on a Hawaiian beach or enjoying a hang glide over the rocky mountains, its going to reduce stress, keep you engaged and give you a focus on the present moment. All these factors have a great effect on our wellbeing and state of mind. Mindfulness is popular at the moment so we are seeing lots of apps on this topic being created. Watch this space!
5. Relieve depression. We know that Recreation and leisure has a positive effect on our mental wellbeing, as do new experiences, surprising events, enjoyment and relaxation to name a few. VR ticks all these boxes. There aren’t too many studies to date, however they’re coming. We do know that leisure and rec experiences relieve depression and VR is basically one giant library of fun experiences.
6. Social connectedness. Watch this space – We know of several great apps being created that plan to enhance socialisation through VR. In these apps you will be able to create a personalised character and connect with others in virtual worlds.
How to enhance these benefits and make the most of the technology
The natural benefits incurred whilst using the technology is great, however I feel most come from after the experience is over.. (or even before..)
The lead up and excitement to an event is sometimes more thrilling and lasts longer than the activity. How many times have you looked forward to a party only to find that the party feels like it flew by. Thats not a bad thing. especially if we are savouring the lead up and enjoying those experiences.
When working with clients or loved ones, its ok to talk about what is going to happen, build up the excitement and make the most of the anticipation.
But more importantly, is the post experience discussions. We have seen countless examples where a 3 minute video results in a 30 minute long reminisce about someones travels, life on the farm or future plans etc. In our training we always recommend people practice their skills asking questions and prompting conversations to dig deeper and make the most of these benefits. It’s not just the reminiscing, its about the reflection on what has just been experienced and exploring how it made you feel that really starts to enhance the experience.
This is a huge topic and one that requires much more explanation. We are about to run training sessions on these skills in the next few weeks. I can keep you posted if you’re interested.
Thanks again for reading, we hope our information is useful.
